Monday, October 31, 2011

I have had so many random things going through my head lately - and just haven't had a chance to sit down and blog about them!

First up: a question dear bloggy friends... Should I not be admitting out loud that I actually want to see the new Muppets movie while it's in theaters?

Well - because I do. I don't want to miss Miss Piggy's triumphant return to the big screen! She was my idol as a child...

And she's still as awesome as ever! Check out some crappy iPhone pictures of pictures I took for you from her spread in the latest edition of InStyle Magazine. You're welcome...

As much as I adored Miss Piggy - the Martians were my favorite.... yip yip yip yip yip yip!

Who was your favorite Muppets character?

yip yip yip yip yip yip!

I like this guy - I've decided... I just love it when I hear awesome new songs on the radio that I want to share with all my bloggy peeps. I have to take more crappy iPhone pictures so I can remember the songs :)

I also heard this song on the way home from work today...

At first I was like... this sounds ok... and then T-Pain's part came on and I thought... well I just really don't think I get what this song is saying. It goes in about 2 or 3 different directions as the song goes on. I like whoever this Lily Allen person is - she has a beautiful voice. She should probably stay away from T-Pain though.

"She'll be waiting for me naked with one of my chains on..." ???

No... T-Pain. Just... no.

And last but certainly not least... I've been talking to my phone again. No - not ON it. I think I actually talk TO it more often. It's like a game - how is Siri going to respond to the random crap that pops into my head? Observe...

It would've been funnier had she said "You should ask your Magic Mirror." hmfph.

Friday, October 21, 2011

No - I don't feel old. Perhaps I have reached the "denial" phase of life - but I think 32 is a pretty gosh darn good age to be. I'm in my "prime". Whatever will I do with myself?!? Well I'll tell you...

Before my 33rd birthday I will be:

earning my Bachelor's degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Chemical Dependency (this is huge - as I've been in and out of college since age 18)

traveling to Canada (and out of the country) for the first time to get my certification in Yoga For Round Bodies.

stopping smoking again (this time for good)

letting my hair grow back out

keep working toward a 100% vegan diet

incorporate more exercise into my daily routine and try to like it.

I suppose you could call these my "birthday resolutions". I think it's better to resolve to do things from birthday to birthday. Everyone makes New Years resolutions. I like to be different. :)Do you have any special birthday rituals now that you are an adult?

I got a birthday card from my sister and niece that was far too cute not to share...

Mr. C is enjoying asking me to tell it strange things. Today he said: ask it "Where can I find drugs?" because supposedly if you ask it that it will tell you where the nearest rehab is. Which is funny... Except my Southern accent is apparently hard for Siri to understand.

I love Igigi's site - and their style. I have to admit though that I've never purchased any of their clothes. That's because you can only order them online, they are pricey and I hate to do the whole buy-a-new-brand-of-clothes-online-and-have-them-not-fit-and-have-to-return-them thing.

Even if a company has "hassle free" returns - I end up leaving my needs to be returned item in the backseat of my car or some other random place and forget to mail it back. Then the time limit for returns expires... It just never works out for me. I play this little game with Old Navy's Women's Plus clothing online all the time. Their sizes tend to differ - so once you think you find a size of their's that you fit into perfectly, you order something else in that same size and it won't button or swallows you whole. But I'll stop bitching now...

I found some things at Igigi that make me think I may have to take the purchase plunge and hope they fit...

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

And right now - I'm passing... but only because my dear friend Jeffy is a brilliant tutor!

I'd be totally screwed right now without him.

I'm so blessed in the friends department.

My amazing friends.

HALLOWEEN IS SOON!!!

I just love Halloween... It gives me an excuse to wear my pimp costume and smack people ;)

Coming soon: Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Christmas is my most favorite time of year EVER!

(Not including the beginning of hockey season of course - that's hard to beat.)

Planning a vegan Thanksgiving.

Going to see my family for Christmas.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.

And this collabo:

& this song too...

& last but certainly not least...

YOU - my fabulous bloggy friends!

I am so grateful for all the wonderful friends I've made through blogging - I may not get to visit your blogs as often as I'd like right now with all that's going on, but I want you to know that I appreciate you and your comments.

Monday, October 10, 2011

First up - I'd like to honor the holiday today. FYI - I still have to work today. Enjoy it if you actually have the day off. Happy Columbus Day anyway. I'd like to celebrate with one of my favorite Americans: Toby Keith. Pro football player turned musician - 100% proud American. I love this guy... And this song!

Now - because it's Monday and we all know how much I hate Mondays...

This - ladies & gents - is quite possibly the most perfect Monday song EVER...

Now for one of my favorite Lule Bryan songs...

Now let's wrap this thing up with a new one by Miranda Lambert:

Have a good day lil Monsters! If you have today off - sleep in late for me, k?

Monday, October 3, 2011

The great folks at Murad Cosmetics were generous enough tot send me samples of some of their excellent products to review. I'm all about bringing you honest reviews - so my reviews will be honest and straight forward. I want you to find the BEST products out there and if companies send me bad products, I will tell you! So I will start with the company's description of the products they sent - and then close with my thoughts on them.

WHAT
IT IS: Murad’s Acne & Aging Skin Solution Kit is a maximum strength
regimen that encompasses patented formulas that deliver acne-fighting
and age-defying technology to promote healthy, younger looking skin. The
limited time 3-step regimen kit specifically addresses adult acne
concerns.
The Acne & Aging Skin Solution Kit is part of Murad’s Anti-Aging
Acne system, created to reduce acne and aging concerns simultaneously.
Ideal for those who suffer from adult acne, the products in the
Anti-Aging Acne line work together as an integrated system to reduce
existing blemishes and prevent new blemishes from forming, while
repairing skin’s barrier and optimizing collagen levels to minimize the
signs of aging.

THE
MURAD
DIFFERENCE: As with all Murad products, this formula is rooted in The
Science of Cellular Water™, Murad’s proprietary system for optimizing
cell hydration and skin health.

HOW TO USE:
• Time Release Acne Cleanser - Massage a small amount over dampened face and neck. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
• Acne & Wrinkle Reducer - Every day after cleansing and toning, massage a thin layer over face, neck and chest.
• Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 15 | PA++ - Every day after cleansing, massage evenly over face and neck.
• Acne Spot Treatment - Cleanse skin and apply a thin layer on affected area 1 to 3 times daily or as needed
•
Skin Perfecting Primer Acne & Shine Control – Apply a thin layer to
the face before or in place of foundation to control acne breakouts,
reduce oil and minimize the appearance of pores.

AVAILABILITY: Available June 2011 at the Murad Inclusive Health Spa®,
Murad.com, Sephora inside JC Penney, and leading salon and spa
locations. For more information, to purchase or to find the nearest
location, call 1-800-33-MURAD or visit Murad.com.

On their website they have the a full size kit (90day supply) listed for $119.00.

MY VERDICT:Though I would not purchase the entire kit - I really liked the Acne & Wrinkle Reducer. I will most definitely be purchasing more of it when I run out. When I first started using the entire regimen together - my face broke out. This is not uncommon - I've found that this happens when I completely change my skincare regimen. The overhaul changes the PH in your skin and acne flares can be expected as your face adjusts. Mine did - but after the initial shock my skin calmed down and cleared up rather nicely. I did however, find the entire regimen to be mildy drying to my skin over time. That is my only complaint. If I didn't live in a desert it likely wouldn't be as much of an issue.

I also felt as if I needed more of the cleanser than normal to get my entire face clean. My least favorite product was the cleanser. It is more of a cleansing cream than cleanser - so to speak. It had no lather and though lather isn't necessary for a clean face, I prefer the "clean feeling" I get from a good lathering face wash. This face wash missed the component.

If I use the moisturizer as an AM moisturizer and a more intense one at night I find my skin to be in perfect balance. My thoughts for Murad: The face wash needs a bit of tweaking - and a perfect compliment to this regimen would be a more intense overnight wrinkle reducer face cream. It would take the kit from good to perfection! Overall I give this kit 4.5 stars.

I'm a tough customer - not many products will get that shiny Belle of the Desert 5 Star Rating right there. Murad's Intensive Resurfacing Peel with Durian Cell Reform is the first! Congrats Murad! Here's what the company has to say about it:

THE MURAD
DIFFERENCE: As with all Murad products, this formula is rooted in The Science of Cellular Water™, Murad’s proprietary system for optimizing cell hydration and skin health.

HOW TO USE: After cleansing and toning, gently smooth onto face and neck. Leave on for up to 10 minutes and gently rinse with warm water. Formula is intense and if you have sensitive skin, you may only be able to leave product on for a few minutes to start. With continued use, product can be left on for longer increments. For optimal results, use once per week and follow with recommended Murad moisturizer and sunblock.

RETAIL PRICE: $45.00 for 4 x 0.17 FL. OZ.

AVAILABILITY: Available at the Murad Inclusive Health Spa®, Murad.com, Sephora, Ulta, and leading salon and spa locations. For more information, to purchase or to find the nearest location, call 1-800-33-MURAD or visit Murad.com.

MY VERDICT: This product will be a staple in my skincare routine. Use this once a week for a month and you will see a huge difference! My skin looked brighter and tighter with just one use. THAT is why this product earned my five star rating!

Murad Safety Rating: this is an important component for me. Murad does not test on animals - but I also want my beauty products to be safe - and I want to share products with YOU that are safe. If I am going to put it on my skin it needs to be free of toxins.